intubation

Definition

The process of inserting a breathing tube down someone's throat and into their trachea because their respiratory system has unionized and gone on strike. Looks dramatic on TV; feels even more dramatic in person.

Example Usage

We had to perform rapid sequence intubation before his airway completely closed, because breathing is generally considered important.

Origin

From Latin 'in' (into) and 'tubus' (tube), medical procedure terminology from early 20th century

Fun Fact

Anesthesiologists practice intubation on mannequins hundreds of times before doing it on real patients, but residents still regularly joke about 'see one, do one, teach one.'

Source: Anesthesiology and emergency medicine terminology

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